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Back last December, I weighed more than 170...and set 135 as my final goal. I'm pleased to announce that 2 weeks ago, I achieved that....and re-set my goal now to 126.
But the coolio thing is this - two weeks ago when I was at my karate class, I glanced at myself in the mirror and was struck by the following realization - omigosh, I'm hot! My double chins have taken a permanent vacation! My figure is actually that of a woman and not of an overgrown eggplant! Whoo hoo!!!!
It truly is a lifestyle change and also a hero's journey. Back in December, I had nary a clue as to the positive changes that would occur in my life from getting healthy...it's really been quite an eyeopener.
Yep, I have to do that. I spent half an hour yesterday looking for a good 'before picture' - I never quite realized how much I had avoided the camera during the past few years!
But I'll tell you this - every time I dress in my sleeveless camouflage karate gi and see my extremely decent deltoids and the fact my waist is smaller than my top or bottom....wow, I smile up a storm.
I finally have my before and after pictures! As you can tell, there's still some to go...but wow, what a difference!
Before: This was taken at my 2nd heaviest about 3 years ago. It's actually photoshopped - the original is me surrounded by a group of kids (but as I don't have permission to post their pictures, I just cut myself out and put me in a park).
Now, here's a picture taken of me a few days ago. Whatcha think? :-) It's been one heck of a journey....but most rewarding.
Enjoy,
Barbara
Last edited by iamfire; October 4th, 2007 at 09:35 AM.
Reason: added commentary
Thanks for the nice comments! This is month 10+ or so - you can read how I did it at my Weight Loss Diary.
Basically, I simply 'turned the switch' in my mind and researched my way to the one particular weight loss path that worked for me. For the first 9 months, I was mainly low-carb, and now I'm realizing, gosh, I can simply eat 'normal' now (I no longer eat junk food so excess calories are not a problem for me).
I also have become one with the iron...and trained myself to really appreciate strong solid deltoids/biceps/etc. You see, even when overweight, weight lifting can help define your muscles...and I got that immediate satisfaction of seeing positive changes in my body (even when the weight plateaued).
It's finally become a way of life to me - I'm not so much on a diet as I am living the way that produces the most pleasure for me.
Thanks for giving me a morning boost! And I'm looking at the pictures adn thinking, if 30 - 40lbs can make such a difference, I can actually look forward to having lots to celebrate along the long, long route to my goal (starting weight 303lbs, target 130lbs). Sigh. But hey, every pound lost counts!